How do I help a friend that may be in an abusive situation at home?
IF YOU SUSPECT OR KNOW THAT A FRIEND IS BEING ABUSED: Listen. Believe. Support. Let the person know about available support services. Report suspected or known child abuse or neglect to a trusted adult.	This may be a very tough time for your friend. You may have seen some changes, both big and small in your friend. Changes in Mood, hygiene, attitude. Dropping out of things they normally like doing such as sports, music etc. Withdrawing from most if not all things basically alienating themselves from others. You may have noticed your friend becoming more angry or violent. Maybe even the opposite, quiet and not caring. If your friend is being abused at home this is a very confusing time. Everything inside them is confusion and questions. Why, what did I do, will it ever end, can I get away from this, will anyone believe me, does anyone care?
LISTEN Listening is very important. Not just "Hearing" what they are saying. But listening actively. Let them talk with no interuptions. They will need to feel that you actually do care about what they are saying. Alot of times your friend may have felt no one would listen to them at home. Do not show "disgust"  or make shaming comments about what is being shared. It is also important to not "take over" the conversation. The abuser has already done all these things and your friend needs to feel safe and in control.	BELIEVE Believe in what your friend is telling you do not question them with disbelief. Don't make comments like, "No way that couldn't have happened "  or "I've never seen anything like that when I was at your house."  Believe in them as you may be the first person they have ever risked sharing this with and your response could go along way in them deciding what to do next.
SUPPORT This is an important step as your friend will want to feel supported. Much of the time in an abusive situation a person feels they have no place to turn and no support.  In showing support let your friend know you will help them with whatever they may need. One thing to remember is to show support to them during your conversation. Don't be judgemental or blaming them for the problem. The person abusing them has already been doing this. They now need support. Offer them continued time with you to talk. Offer them an adult you may know they can talk to. Ask them if  they would like you to go with to talk to an adult or help them make a phone call.	FINALLY... Take care of yourself. Helping a friend can be emotionally draining. Be sure that you are able to take some time to take care of your needs. You may find it helpful to Journal, go for a walk by yourself or do something active to release anything you may be feeling inside. You may also need to find an adult you can talk to. Go with your gut on what you should do to take care of yourself after helping a friend. Most important, if you feel that you need to let an adult know about a friend being abused. Do the right thing.